.
7 years ago my Mk5 GTI came from the factory with Continentals, which I believe are German and doubtless Volkswagen have a deal/contract with Continental to supply.
Most tyre experts say that different tyres will suit different cars or vehicles - Not individual cars but models. So for example, a Vredestein Sessanta might suit a FWD Golf but not a RWD BMW (I don't know that example to be the case by the way).
Unless we experience particular problems which pitch us off into the hedge, most modern tyres from the established manufacturers do their job adequately and until we have experienced particular tyres it's all relative. The only tyres I have experienced on my Mk5 GTI are Continentals, Bridgestone Potenza's, Goodyear F1 Eagle Directionals, Goodyear Asymmetric 1's, Dunlop Sports Maxx, and Goodyear Asymmetric 2's. The Continentals of 7 years ago are nothing like as good as either of the Goodyear's and I am inclined to think that an asymmetric tread makes a big difference - especially in the wet.
A few folks here have tried Vredestein Sessanta asymmetrics and reported being happy with them apart from needing to get warm, but they don't seem to have sold like hot cakes. They are a bit more expensive I think.
Factors influencing which tyres we buy are (not in order of importance):
- Performance (handling) in both wet and dry cos it now rains a lot in the UK.
- Road noise.
- Tread and rubber eye-candy < Yes, it has been researched and found to be true.
- Price.
The only contact a car has with the road is 4 small patches of rubber which are about the size of a CD disk each. So to buy any tyre just because it's the cheapest and which doesn't maximise your safety is, how can I say it without offending someone, stupid.
I have no hesitation in recommending Goodyear Asymmetrics and then it's just a case of finding the cheapest source and making sure they aren't versions manufactured outside the official factories.
^ The green caps are because my tyres are filled with nitrogen.
